7 - The In-House Review

BOOKArt in Public (2011)

To say Art in Public
is a philosophical argument for government funding for the arts is
both true in its general representation of the goal of the book and
false in its descriptive inadequacy. Lambert Zuidervaart’s latest
book does, in fact, make a strong case for such funding, but the way
it makes its case is perhaps just as important the case itself. In
the course of making his case for government funding for art as
necessary to public justice, Zuidervaart goes far beyond
philosophical aesthetics as usual and into social theory. He draws
not only on his long engagements with reformational philosophy and
critical social theory, but also on his leadership experience in a
non-profit arts institution. Art
in Public is a seminal
work that should be read not only by philosophers of art and culture,
but also social and political theorists and anyone with an interest
in the fate of culture.

—Matthew Klaassen, PhD Student

FILMMy Name is Khan (2010)

My
Name is Khan follows
the journey of Rizwan Khan, a Muslim boy with Aspberger’s Syndrome,
from his childhood in India to his adult life in pre- and post-9/11
America. Unlike most popular Bollywood films MNIK isn’t a
musical. Despite its many light-hearted moments MNIK deals with
its subject matter too seriously to provide opportunities for chorus
lines and item numbers. It is a true Bollywood film, however,
delivering refreshingly unsophisticated moral reflections on a
melodramatic rollercoaster supported by a lovely score, beautiful
camera work and a large, wonderful cast. To identify MNIK’s major
theme as the Muslim experience in post-9/11 America would be an
oversimplification akin to calling Forrest
Gump
a film about how even a simple man can get rich. MNIK is
ultimately a film about family and humanity. It’s uplifting
overall but the journey it takes us on includes elements of darkness.
The well-prepared viewer will have a box of tissues close at hand and
a chair that will remain comfortable for two hours and 50 minutes.

— Daryl
Kinsman, Manager of Communication and Information Technology

DOCUMENTARY Loose Change (2006)

The United States government planned the September 11, 2001 attack on the
World Trade Center – this film’s controversial statement
challenges the popular opinion of the modern American. The taboo
subject of domestic terrorism requires alternative arguments to
create constructive societal debate and dialogue. The critical and
damning evidence presented in this documentary film may not prove its
premise, but it alerts and assists a healthy critique of institutions
and information.

—George
Deibert, MWS Student

BOOK From Dictatorship to Democracy (2002-2010)

Gene
Sharp has been called “the Machiavelli of non-violent struggle,”
but it might be better to call him “the Lao Tzu of non-violent
regime change.” Written at the request of exile Burmese
democrat U Tin Maung Win, From
Dictatorship to Democracy
has been printed in 33 languages, reaching freedom movements
worldwide. While essentially a handbook for democracy movements,
it also serves as a concise summary of the relationship between
dictatorial regimes, the people they control and the external
entities that may support or help defeat such regimes. If you've
read the ICISS report, “The Responsibility to Protect,” then you
probably also want to read FDTD to gain additional insight into some
of the happenings in the world today. It has been placed in the
public domain and is available for free download or purchase on the
web.